Freeman selected to start in opener

Miami Hurricanes

Kirby Freeman beats out veteran Kyle Wright to be the 'Canes' quarterback.

August 29, 2007|By Shandel Richardson, South Florida Bureau

CORAL GABLES -- Monday night Kirby Freeman sat at home and watched the Cincinnati Bengals play the Atlanta Falcons.

Much of the attention was on troubled Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who is facing prison time for his role in a dogfighting operation. Vick discussions dominated the pregame, the actual game and the postgame.

Yet all Freeman could think about were Vick's teammates.

That should say it all about the new quarterback for the University of Miami. Even though Freeman was named the starter Tuesday morning, it's clear his focus was never beating out Kyle Wright. It was never about the rumored feud between them. It was never about winning the job.

For Freeman, it was simple. This was only about the teammates he will lead this season, starting Saturday in the season opener against Marshall at the Orange Bowl.

"The rest of the Atlanta Falcons are still out there and they're still trying to win a championship, trying to win a Super Bowl,'' said Freeman, a junior. "They worked hard in the offseason. Let's make sure we're giving credit where credit is due. It's the same case here. Just because I'm named the starting quarterback, we need to make sure our focus is elsewhere.''

It was hard not to focus on the quarterback competition. It began the moment Freeman provided hope in one of the Hurricanes' most disappointing seasons. After being the backup for nearly two seasons, Freeman replaced the injured Wright in the 10th game against Maryland. He led UM to a 2-2 record, including a victory in the MPC Computers Bowl. That helped Miami avoid a losing season and sparked what became a popular debate.

Kyle or Kirby?

After both were made off-limits to the media throughout the preseason, it finally ended when Coach Randy Shannon said in his opening remarks in the Edgerrin James Room, "Kirby Freeman will be our starting quarterback for the Marshall game.'' Shannon would not say specifically what led him to choose Freeman.

"As a coach, you always have to make tough decisions,'' Shannon said. "We felt like Kirby gave us the best opportunity to win games.''

The announcement gives the Hurricanes more mobility under center. Despite both possessing similar 40-yard dash times (4.5 seconds), Freeman has proven better on the run. A senior, Wright was slowed with a knee injury that caused problems most of preseason, causing him to miss the final scrimmage.

Freeman also won support with his aggressiveness, always looking for the big play, something the Miami offense has lacked in recent years. Wright was more of a pocket passer and conservative at times.

"He's very athletic, he avoids the rush and makes decisions,'' tight end Chris Zellner said. "He tries to get with everyone and tells them what they want, trying to get them the ball.''

Shannon made no mention he would split the duties between them. Freeman is the No. 1, and Wright the backup.

Wright, who refused to speak to reporters, did congratulate Freeman. They even walked off the field together after Tuesday's practice, seemingly joking with each other.